07 April, 2015

#BookReview :: The Accidental Wife by Simi K. Rao


From the author of Inconvenient Relations Simi K Rao!

If you enjoyed Inconvenient Relations, you'll love The Accidental Wife, a new contemporary romance from Simi K. Rao.


Some accidents are meant to happen…

Dr. Rihaan Mehta is a brilliant young neurosurgeon who has no inclination for love or marriage. According to him wives and girlfriends are annoying accessories that one can do without. But when his mother dangles the sword over his head in classic Bollywood style, he succumbs, and sets out in search of a bride who would fit his 'requirements'. But can Rihaan deal with what he gets instead?


Book Links:
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Review:
Dr. Rihaan Mehta is a second generation American Indian. He is a neurosurgeon who is completely dedicated to his work and has no time or inclination for love or marriage. But Rihaan’s mother, like most Indian mothers, has plans and dreams for his marriage. She even has some ‘appropriate’ proposals ready at hand for him. When she finally entraps Rihaan to agree to get married, Rihaan puts up a condition that he would be the one to choose his future wife. After some thoughts and research, Rihaan finds Deepika online and gets married to her in a rushed ceremony in India. But on his wedding night, he has a surprise waiting for him in form of Naina…

Rihaan comes across as this typical workaholic in the beginning whose requirements in a bride seems almost offensive – he doesn’t want a life partner as such, he could do with a robot. Fate has something for him in store that changes his life forever. Naina on the other hand feels a bit naïve in the beginning but slowly her character unfolds and grows so much that one cannot help but like her. These two people are poles apart, yet brought together by a cruel joke. From strangers to friends to lovers to strangers again, Rihaan and Naina take a journey of a lifetime, where they not only discover each other but also discover hidden parts of themselves.

The plot seems simple and straightforward in the beginning, but then the author introduces certain twists in the novel that elevates it to a higher level than just a romance or just a simple chic-lit. I felt that the beginning was a bit rushed, specially the part with Deepika and I would have loved to have seen more of their online matrimonial site courtship. Once Naina is introduced, the pace settles down to a leisurely one. The author has done a great job of setting up the two characters and narrating their story to us in a way that is entertaining and captivating. I loved the doses of humour infused into the story that kept things light.

It was an entertaining read and I will be on the lookout for more from this author.



Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

“Another beer to calm the nerves?” A distant cousin who Rihaan had never the pleasure of meeting before, suggested with a knowing smirk.

This was followed by a loud burst of laughter. It was close to midnight, but the party had just begun at the usually serene Mehta abode in South Delhi. “Rihaan doesn’t need anything to cool him down. He’s going to be a full-on man tonight! Can’t afford to disappoint bhabhi, right?” This was promptly followed by another outburst of mirth.
Rihaan submitted to several friendly thumps on his back, returning them with the obligatory wry smile that could be interpreted any which way they desired. He didn’t care about their opinions.
It was true, he hadn’t let a single drop of alcohol pass through his lips. Not because he was anxious to perform well on his wedding night and impress his new wife. On the contrary, he wanted to keep all his faculties intact so he could confirm the suspicion that had been gnawing at his brain ever since the wedding ceremony. And with each moment that passed, his unease had grown steadily.
Unable to bide his time any longer, he stood up and went toward his room paying no heed to the numerous whistles and catcalls that followed in his wake.
Thrusting the door wide open he strode toward the marital bed. It was bare except for his bride’s wedding finery that lay in a neat pile in one corner. His heart now thudding at a frantic pace inside his chest, he scanned the vicinity, fervently hoping his concerns were for nothing.
He approached the wide open balcony door, and his pulse slowed down slightly. Perhaps he’d just been imagining it all?
A girl stood there leaning against the railing, her face upturned toward the full moon. On hearing him approach, she turned around. “Finally! I’ve been waiting like forever!”
He frowned, straining to decipher her features obscured by deep shadow. “Deepika?”
“Naa…, not Deepika.” She stepped forward into the light, a bright smile illuminating her strikingly graceful features.
His heart sank. Not Deepika.
“I am Naina—the girl you married. Goodbye, Rihaan.”

About the Author:
Simi K. Rao was born and grew up in both northern and southern India before relocating to the U.S., where she has lived for several years. She is the author of multicultural contemporary romantic fiction.
The inspiration for her books and other creative projects comes from her own experience with cross-cultural traditions, lifestyles and familial relationships, as well as stories and anecdotes collected from friends, family and acquaintances.
Rao enjoys exploring the dynamics of contemporary American culture blended with Indian customs and heritage to reflect the challenges and opportunities many Indian-American women face in real life.
Much of Rao's down time is devoted to creative pursuits, including writing fiction, poetry and photography. She is an avid traveler and has visited many locations around the world.
A practicing physician, Rao lives in Denver with her family. Her published works include Inconvenient Relations and The Accidental Wife. She is currently at work on her next release.

Contact the Author:
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